A UN member state has disallowed sanctioned North Korean ships from sailing with its flag, according to South Korean media.

The practice of sailing with flags from other countries is common in the maritime industry, though the DPRK is suspected of using the technique to hide the origin of its ships.

The UN’s newest resolution included a passage intended to inhibit North Korea’s ability to use the tactic, which is called a Flag of Convenience (FOC).

“(Paragraph 19) calls upon Member States to de-register any vessel that is owned, operated or crewed by the DPRK, further calls upon Member States